Cladding apparatus, method and system

ABSTRACT

There is provided cladding apparatus comprising a body portion ( 108 ) having an inner surface ( 110 ) and an outer surface ( 112 ) extending longitudinally between a leading edge ( 114 ) and a trailing edge ( 116 ) and transversely between opposed side edges ( 118 ). The leading edge ( 114 ) is provided with a formation ( 124 ) which inter-engages with complementary formation ( 126 ) provided on an adjacent body portion thereby permitting the body portions to inter-engage when laid in a longitudinal sequence. The body portion ( 108 ) is provided with a pair of longitudinally extending elongate mounting portions ( 128 ) on the inner surface ( 110 ) thereof. A longitudinal mounting batten ( 144 ) is attached to the fascia panel ( 106 ) adjacent to the exposed edge of the tiles ( 104 ), and into which the elongate mounting portions ( 128 ) may slide. A roof batten ( 132 ) is laid on the tiles and has on its lower face a plurality of steps which compensate for the overlapping nature of the tiles to provide a level upper face ( 140 ) when laid on the tiles ( 104 ), the upper face ( 140 ) forming a labyrinth with the inner surface ( 110 ) to assist in excluding weather in use.

This invention relates to cladding apparatus and methods and systems.More particularly, this invention has application in roofing and thusroofing apparatus, its method of implementation and to a roofingstructure formed thereby are, for illustrative purposes describedhereinafter with reference to this application. However, the apparatus,methods and structures formed by embodiments of the present inventionmay readily find application in wall cladding, lining and otherstructural applications.

In one aspect the present invention resides broadly in claddingapparatus for covering the junction between adjacent cladding portionsof a building including:

-   -   an elongate body member having an inner surface and an outer        surface, each surface extending between opposed ends and opposed        elongate side edges of the body member;    -   mounting means associated with at least one of said adjacent        cladding portions and adapted to engage at least one        complementary mounting portion provided on said inner surface;    -   complementary inter-engaging means provided on respective said        opposed ends and permitting substantially weatherproof        engagement between adjacent body members when laid in        longitudinal sequence.

The adjacent cladding portions may be a roof and a wall, and theinvention is described hereinafter with reference to this construct.However, the adjacent cladding portions may well be the meeting of tworoof portions or two wall portions.

Where the junction is between a roof and a wall, the body member portionoverlying the roof is may be adapted to impede the ingress of weatherunder the body member in use. For example the elongate edge may beprovided with a weather strip or the like. In preferred embodiments ofthe present invention, the means for preventing ingress of weather maybe provided by a flange dependent toward the roof from, and extendingalong, the elongate edge. The roof may be provided with an elongate roofbatten sealingly supported on the roof within the flange and may includean upper surface against which the inner surface of said body memberbears in use. One or both of the inner surface and upper surface may beprovided with one or more elongate grooves forming in use a moistureexcluding labyrinth between the inner surface and said upper surface.The flange in use may have its lower edge clear of said roof, so as notto interfere with intimate contact of the upper and inner surfaces.Where the roof comprises a shingle laid roof, the roof batten may have aprofile selected to conform to a shingle laid roof.

The mounting means may comprise a mounting batten secured to one or bothof said adjacent cladding portions. The mounting portion and mountingmeans may be provided with complementary profiles permitting snap-inconnection therebetween. Alternatively, the mounting portion andmounting means may be provided with complementary profiles permittingconnection therebetween by longitudinally sliding the mounting portionon the mounting means.

Where there is a sliding connection, the mounting portion and mountingmeans may be substantially continuous along their respective lengths,whereby the body members may be sequentially installed by sliding fromone end of the mounting batten. Alternatively, mounting portion andmounting means may be complementarily interrupted whereby the bodymembers may be sequentially installed by offering up the body members tothe batten intermediate its ends and sliding the body members intoengagement with the batten.

The complementary profiles for sliding engagement may comprise alongitudinal bolt and track pair. By “bolt and track pair” it is meantconfiguration in the manner of a bolt rope and track arrangement,whereby an elongate lug or bolt having substantially the section of asolid of rotation is supported on a web, the complementary track havinga cavity of substantially the same solid-of-rotation section accessed bya slot, the lug or bolt entering the cavity at its end and the webpassing through the slot.

The mounting means may be substantially concealed from view in use byproviding the elongate edge adjacent the mounting portion with a flangedependent toward said cladding from, and extending along, the elongateedge.

The complementary inter-engaging means provided on the respectiveopposed ends may comprise any suitable weather sealing means. Forexample the interengaging means may comprise an overlapping skirtportion on one end and an underlying skirt portion on the other end. Themating faces of the overlapping skirt portion and the underlying skirtportion may be provided with complementary surfaces features cooperatingin use to form a weather impeding labyrinth. For example, there may beprovided transverse ribs on one surface adapted to engage transversegrooves on the other surface. The features may be such that they areinterengaged against the resilient bias of the material of construction.

In a further aspect the present invention resides in cladding apparatusfor covering the junction between a roof and a fascia including:

-   -   an elongate body member having an inner surface and an outer        surface, each surface extending between opposed ends and opposed        elongate side edges of the body member, a body member portion        overlying said roof having a flange dependent toward said roof        from, and extending along, said elongate edge, said opposed ends        respectively comprising an overlapping skirt portion on one said        end and an underlying skirt portion on the other said end        permitting substantially weatherproof engagement between        adjacent body members when laid in longitudinal sequence;    -   an elongate roof batten sealingly supported on said roof, said        roof batten including an upper surface against which the inner        surface of said body member bears in use, one or both of said        inner surface and upper surface being provided with one or more        elongate grooves forming in use a moisture excluding labyrinth        between said inner surface and said upper surface;    -   mounting means associated with said fascia and adapted to engage        at least one complementary mounting portion provided on said        inner surface, said mounting portion and mounting means being        substantially continuous along their respective lengths and        provided with complementary profiles permitting connection        therebetween by longitudinally sliding said mounting portion on        said mounting means by sliding from one end of said mounting        batten.

Where the adjacent cladding portions form intersecting planes, in orderto provide an aesthetic appearance the body member may comprise a pairof webs each adapted to overlie a respective cladding portion in use,the webs being separated by curved portion adapted to overlie thejunction.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided acladding apparatus for finishing an exposed side edge of overlappingslab members adjacent a fascia panel, said cladding apparatus including:

-   -   a body portion having an inner surface and an outer surface said        body portion and extending longitudinally between a leading edge        and a trailing edge between opposed side edges;    -   said body portion having side portions extending outwardly from        an arcuate central portion, wherein a first side portion may be        disposed laterally of said central arcuate portion and a second        side portion may depend from said arcuate portion;    -   the leading edge and the trailing edge provided with        complementary inter-engaging formations permitting said body        portion to overlap a next adjacent body portion when laid in        longitudinal sequence; and    -   at least one elongate support web provided on an inner surface        of the second side portion.

Suitably said at least one elongate support web is provided with aspigot end portion.

The formation of the leading edge may be and overlapping skirt portionand the formation of the trailing edge may be underlying recess portion.

The cladding apparatus suitably includes a longitudinal guide memberhaving a lower face having a stepped configuration arranged for fittingwith said overlapping slab members, and an upper face having at leastone longitudinal groove for supporting a side portion of said arcuatebody.

The cladding apparatus suitably includes a longitudinal support memberhaving an inner face for attaching to a fascia panel and an outer facehaving at least one recess for receiving said at least one elongatesupport web of a depending web portion of said arcuate body.

According to a yet further aspect of the present invention there isprovided a method for finishing an exposed side edge of overlapping slabmembers adjacent a fascia panel the method including the steps of:

-   -   lying a longitudinal guide member having a lower face with a        stepped configuration on the overlapping slab members along        faces adjacent the side edge;    -   attaching a longitudinal support member having a recess to the        fascia panel;    -   engaging at least one cladding body portion, having an elongate        support web provided on an inner surface thereof, with said        recess of the support member.

According to a yet further aspect of the present invention there isprovided a cladding installation for overlapping slabs adjacent a fasciapanel composed of a plurality of engaged cladding bodies andlongitudinal members of the first aspect of the invention.

According to a yet further aspect of the present invention there isprovided a longitudinal batten member attachable to a cladding surfacesaid member having a recess lying in a first plane for inter-engagementwith a spigot portion of a cladding member.

According to a yet further aspect of the present invention there isprovided a cladding member comprising:

-   -   a substantially planar body having inner and outer faces;    -   a web extending outwardly from a first end of the inner face of        said body;    -   a first projection extending from said web along said body; and    -   a second projection extending outwardly from a second end of the        inner face of said body.

Optionally the first and second projections have an enlarged portionsprovided thereon.

According to a yet further aspect of the present invention there isprovided a cladding system for removably attaching a cladding member toa cladding surface including:

-   -   a longitudinal commencing batten member attachable to the        cladding surface said member having means lying in a first plane        for inter-engagement with a first portion of the cladding        member; and    -   at least one longitudinal connecting batten member attachable to        a cladding surface having means lying in a second plane disposed        at an angle to said first plane, for inter-engagement with a        second portion of said cladding member and having means lying in        a plane disposed parallel to said first plane for        inter-engagement with a portion of an adjacent cladding member.

Preferably said second plane lies normally to the first plane.

Optionally the system includes a longitudinal terminating batten memberhaving means lying in a plane disposed parallel to said first plane forinter-engagement with a portion of said adjacent cladding.

Preferably the means for inter-engagement with said first portion of thecladding member is a recess, which may be provided substantially alongthe length of said commencing batten member. In this embodiment saidfirst portion of the cladding member is preferably a projection whichextends from a web depending from said cladding member. The projectionmay have an enlarged portion which assists in inter-engagement with saidcommencing batten member.

The means for receiving said second portion of said cladding member ispreferably a recess which may be provided substantially along the lengthof said connecting batten member. Additionally, the means forinter-engagement with said portion of the adjacent cladding member is arecess which may be provided substantially along the length of saidconnecting batten member.

The invention will be further described with reference to preferredembodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawing andwherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a body portion of a cladding apparatusin accordance with an embodiment the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the body portion illustrated in FIG. 1in the underside;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the body portion of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIGS. 1 to 3finishing exposed side edge of a tiled roof structure;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a guide member in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the guide member of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective of a support member in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is an end view of the port member of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the completed cladding installation inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 is an end view of a ceiling utilising the cladding system inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is an end view of batten members and cladding members inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a body portion 108 utilised in the cladding apparatusof the present invention. The portion 108 has an inner surface 110 (seeFIG. 2) and an outer surface 112 (see FIG. 1). The inner surface 110 andthe outer surface 112 extend longitudinally between a leading edge 114and a trailing edge 116. The leading edge 114 and trailing 116 extendbetween opposed side edges 118.

The body portion 108 is made has a curved shape having first 120 sideportion (see FIG. 3) arranged to be disposed laterally from an arcuatecentral portion 122 and a second 121 side portion depending from saidarcuate portion.

The leading edge 114 (see FIG. 2) is provided with a formation 124 whichinter-engages with complimentary formation 126 (see FIG. 1) provided onan adjacent body portion thereby permitting the body portions tointer-engage when laid in a longitudinal sequence (see FIG. 9).

The body portion 108 is also provided with a pair of longitudinallyextending elongate support webs 128 on the inner surface 110 thereof.The end portions 130 and 131 of said elongate support webs 128 are bothprovided with a spigot end portion.

One particular use of the cladding apparatus of the present invention isto finish the side edge of slab members, such as roof tiles to resistingress of rain water and provide a more attractive look for the roofrather than having the side edges of the tiles exposed. As illustratedin FIG. 9 the tiles 104 are laid in an overlapping pattern overpreinstalled roofing battens (not shown). A guide member 132 is laid onthe exposed edge of the tiles. The guide member (see FIG. 5) extendslongitudinally for the required length of the tiles 104. The guidemember has on its lower face 134 a plurality of steps 136 whichcompensate for the overlapping nature of the tiles to provide a levelupper face 140 when laid on the tiles 104. A longitudinal support member144 (see FIG. 4) is also fixably attached by its inner face 146 to thefacsia panel 106 adjacent to the exposed edge of the tiles 104.

Turning to FIG. 9, the support member 144 is shown extendinglongitudinally along the length of the overlapping tiles 104. Thesupport member may be attached to the facsia 106 by any convenient meanssuch as gluing or nailing. The support member itself has an outer face148 into which a pair of recesses 150 and 151 are provided.

The body portions 104 are placed adjacent to the exposed edges of thetiles 102 with the support webs 128 engaging within the recesses 150 and151 of the support member 144. The first side portion 120 of the bodyportion 121 is also supported by the grooves 141 in the upper face ofthe guide member 132. (See FIGS. 4 and 9)

The required number of body portions is placed along the exposed edge ofthe tiles to provide the required finish. Of course both of the opposingside edges of the tiles can be finished using the cladding apparatus ofthe present invention (see FIG. 4).

Turning to FIG. 10 the cladding system 152 of the present invention isillustrated. The cladding system may be used to clad any convenientcladding surface 156. The cladding surface 156 illustrated in FIG. 10 isa ceiling, however it will be apparent that the cladding system 152 ofthe present invention may be utilised on other cladding surfaces forexample walls be internal or external walls or floors. The claddingillustrated in FIG. 10 shows a single row of cladding members 157, 159.In practice a plurality of rows of cladding members would be providedadjacent to each other to fully cover the cladding surface. The claddingsystem of the present invention includes a longitudinal commencing batonmember 154 (see FIG. 11) which is attached to the cladding surface byany convenient means such as nailing or gluing. The commencing batonmember 154 has a recess 158 which lies in a first plane 160 of thebatten member 154. The commencing batten member is also provided with agroove 153.

A plurality of continuing batten members 164 are also attached to thecladding surface 156 spaced at a distance which matches the length ofthe cladding member 158, 159 that are used. The connecting batten member164 also has a recess 166 provided in a plane 168 which lies normally tothe first plane 160 of the commencing batten member 154 when thosemembers are attached to the cladding surface. The connecting member 164also has a further recess 169 lying in a plane parallel to the firstplane of the commencing batten member 154.

The cladding system might also include a terminating batten member 174which is attached to the cladding surface at the opposite end to thecommencing member 154.

A first cladding member 157 has a projection 162 extending from a web172 which depends from the cladding member 157. The projection 162 isprovided with an enlarged portion 171 at the end thereof. This 171portion is for locating within the recess 158 of the commencing battenmember. The leading section 176 of the cladding member continues alongthe face of the commencing batten member 154. The trailing portion 178of the cladding member 157 also has a projection 170 with an enlargedportion 171. This enlarged portion 171 engages in the recess 166 of theconnecting batten member. An adjacent cladding member 159 with a web 172and projection 162 is then engaged within the recess 169 of theconnecting batten member 164. The required of connecting batten members164 are provided on the cladding surface with corresponding claddingmembers 159 and engaged therein. The cladding member 159 that isadjacent to the terminating batten member 174 is then engaged within therecess 176 of that batten member, therein completing the column. It willbe appreciated from FIG. 10 that the cladding members are, wheninstalled, in an abutting relationship within a single row, asillustrated. Also, the side edges of adjoining rows will, when installedbe in an abutting relationship.

It will be realised by those skilled in the art that the presentinvention provides a cladding apparatus that is quick easy to installwhen compared with current apparatus in use. In particular, the abilityto install the cladding by a simple sliding action rather than throughthe use of specialist tools represents an improvement upon currentcladding apparatus and systems.

It will of course be realised that while the above has been given by wayof illustrative example of this invention or such another modificationsand variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in theart deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention asdefined in the claims appended hereto.

1. A cladding apparatus for covering the junction between a roof and afascia of a building, wherein said apparatus comprises: an elongatedbody member having an inner surface and an outer surface, each surfaceextending between opposed ends and opposed elongate side edges of thebody member; a mounting batten associated with said fascia and adaptedto engage at least one complementary mounting portion provided on saidinner surface; complementary inter-engaging means provided on respectivesaid opposed ends and permitting substantially weatherproof engagementbetween adjacent body members when laid in longitudinal sequence.
 2. Thecladding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the body member portionoverlying said roof is adapted to impede the ingress of weather undersaid body member in use.
 3. The cladding apparatus according claim 2,wherein the adaptation of said body member portion overlying said roofis a flange dependent toward said roof from, and extending along, saidelongate edge, said roof being provided with an elongate roof battensealingly supported on said roof, said roof batten including an uppersurface against which the inner surface of said body member bears inuse, one or both of said inner surface and upper surface being providedwith one or more elongate grooves forming in use a moisture excludinglabyrinth between said inner surface and said upper surface.
 4. Thecladding apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said roof comprises ashingle laid roof, said roof batten having a profile selected to conformto said shingle laid roof.
 5. The cladding apparatus according to claim3, wherein said flange in use has its lower edge clear of said roof, soas not to interfere with intimate contact of said upper and innersurfaces.
 6. The cladding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein saidmounting portion and mounting batten are provided with complementaryprofiles permitting snap-in connection therebetween.
 7. The claddingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein said mounting portion andmounting batten are provided with complementary profiles permittingconnection therebetween by longitudinally sliding said mounting portionon said mounting batten.
 8. The cladding apparatus according to claim 7,wherein said mounting portion and mounting batten are substantiallycontinuous along their respective lengths, whereby said body members aresequentially installed by sliding from one end of said mounting batten.9. The cladding apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said mountingportion and mounting batten are complementarily interrupted whereby saidbody members may be sequentially installed by offering up said bodymembers to said batten intermediate its ends and sliding said bodymembers into engagement with said batten.
 10. The cladding apparatusaccording to any one of claim 7, wherein said complementary profilescomprise a longitudinal bolt and track pair.
 11. The cladding apparatusaccording to claim 7, wherein a said longitudinal edge adjacent saidmounting portion includes a flange dependent toward said cladding from,and extending along, said elongate edge, to substantially conceal saidmounting batten in use.
 12. The cladding apparatus according to claim 1,wherein said complementary inter-engaging means provided on respectivesaid opposed ends comprise an overlapping skirt portion on one said endand an underlying skirt portion on the other said end.
 13. The claddingapparatus according to claim 12, wherein mating faces of saidoverlapping skirt portion and said underlying skirt portion are providedwith complementary surfaces features cooperating in use to form aweather impeding labyrinth.
 14. A cladding apparatus for covering thejunction between a roof and a fascia, wherein said apparatus comprises:an elongated body member having an inner surface and an outer surface,each surface extending between opposed ends and opposed elongate sideedges of the body member, a body member portion overlying said roofhaving a flange dependent toward said roof from, and extending along,said elongate edge, said opposed ends respectively comprising anoverlapping skirt portion on one said end and an underlying skirtportion on the other said end permitting substantially weatherproofengagement between adjacent body members when laid in longitudinalsequence; an elongate roof batten sealingly supported on said roof, saidroof batten including an upper surface against which the inner surfaceof said body member bears in use, one or both of said inner surface andupper surface being provided with one or more elongate grooves formingin use a moisture excluding labyrinth between said inner surface andsaid upper surface; a mounting batten associated with said fascia andadapted to engage at least one complementary mounting portion providedon said inner surface, said mounting portion and mounting batten beingsubstantially continuous along their respective lengths and providedwith complementary profiles permitting connection therebetween bylongitudinally sliding said mounting portion on said mounting batten bysliding from one end of said mounting batten.
 15. The cladding memberaccording to claim 1, wherein said adjacent cladding portions formintersecting planes and wherein the body member comprises a pair of webseach adapted to overlie a respective said cladding portion in use, saidwebs being separated by curved portion adapted to overlie said junction.16. A cladding member comprising: a substantially planar body havinginner and outer faces; a web extending outwardly from a first end of theinner face of said body; a first projection extending from said webalong said body; and a second projection extending outwardly from asecond end of the inner face of said body.
 17. A cladding system forremovably attaching a cladding member to a cladding surface including: alongitudinal commencing batten member attachable to the cladding surfacesaid member having means lying in a first plane for inter-engagementwith a first portion of the cladding member; and at least onelongitudinal connecting batten member attachable to a cladding surfacehaving means lying in a second plane disposed at an angle to said firstplane, for inter-engagement with a second portion of said claddingmember and having means lying in a plane disposed parallel to said firstplane for inter-engagement with a portion of an adjacent claddingmember.
 18. The cladding member, according to claim 14, wherein saidadjacent cladding portions form intersecting planes and wherein the bodymember comprises a pair of webs each adapted to overlie a respectivesaid cladding portion in use, said webs being separated by curvedportion adapted to overlie said junction.